By Ng’wono O’Nyakundi
At Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo lies a grave that has become a national shrine of sorts; blanketed with endless layers of roses, lilies and wreaths.
The resting place of former Prime Minister (PM) Raila Odinga remains the focal point of quiet pilgrimages, with Kenyans and admirers from across the world streaming in daily to pay their respects.
The air around the Odinga homestead is heavy with memory and reverence, the grave glowing under a quilt of colour; white for peace, red for sacrifice, yellow for the light of hope he lit in countless hearts.
It was here, beneath a gentle drizzle that seemed to echo the nation’s grief that Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula arrived on Tuesday, flanked by a distinguished delegation of African leaders led by former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Together, they joined family, friends and dignitaries in honouring the man whose name has become synonymous with Kenya’s struggle for democracy and justice.
In a symbolic gesture, Speaker Wetang’ula presented to the Odinga family a bound Hansard record containing Raila Odinga’s most memorable parliamentary contributions during his years as Lang’ata Member of Parliament and later as Prime Minister.
“This document immortalises Baba’s voice in the nation’s democratic journey,” he said.
“It is important that future generations appreciate his enormous contribution to parliamentary democracy. His debates and submissions in the House will remain a timeless resource for students of leadership and governance.”
He proposed that the record be preserved at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Museum in Bondo as part of Kenya’s enduring political heritage.
Wetang’ula described Raila Odinga as “a true giant of Kenya’s democratic journey, whose fingerprints are deeply imprinted in the nation’s fight for justice, equality, and freedom.”
He reflected on the ceaseless stream of mourners arriving at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, even weeks after the burial, as a testament to the love and admiration Raila inspired across generations and borders.
“He (Raila) made countless sacrifices for peace, unity, and prosperity — a level of selflessness rarely seen in politics,” he said.
The Speaker further called upon Kenyans to transform Raila’s passing into a call for unity and continuity.
“His enduring vision of inclusive governance and his unwavering courage in defending democracy should inspire the nation’s political and civic leadership,” Wetang’ula said, adding that his forthcoming book will include a special chapter on Raila, capturing their shared political journey and the defining moments of Kenya’s multi-party evolution.
The commemoration drew together a wide constellation of leaders: Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretaries Wycliffe Oparanya and Deborah Mulongo, COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, and Siaya Governor James Orengo, who hosted the solemn gathering.
They were joined by governors, Members of Parliament, county representatives and citizens who had travelled from far and wide to celebrate the life of a man whose voice and vision transcended Kenya’s borders.
There was gentle rainfall that literally soaked the flowers at Raila’s grave, more or less like the cleansing of grief, a renewal of hope, and a reminder that the ideals Raila lived and died for continue to bloom.
His legacy, now honoured in Parliament’s records and at gravesides across the land, has taken root far beyond Kenya’s frontiers, with memorials being held in cities from Accra to London, Washington to Johannesburg.
